Upcoming Automotive Events for the New Year in 2026

Bob Golfen Arizona Concours

The start of a new year often brings renewed focus on the automotive calendar, with early events setting the tone for collectors interested in both historical pieces and emerging designs. In Southern California and nearby regions, January and February feature gatherings that highlight customs, roadsters, and judged classics, providing venues to assess recent restorations or consider additions to holdings.

The Grand National Roadster Show stands out as a key early-season fixture, scheduled for January 30 to February 1, 2026, at the Pomona Fairplex. This long-running indoor event assembles over 500 competing vehicles, including hot rods, customs, and street machines vying for awards like America’s Most Beautiful Roadster. An additional 800 or more participate in the drive-in area, creating a comprehensive view of custom builds and period-correct examples. The controlled environment suits detailed inspections of fabrication techniques and finish quality.

Just prior, the Arizona Concours d’Elegance on January 18, 2026, at Scottsdale Civic Center offers a judged exhibition of more than 100 rare automobiles and motorcycles. Classes emphasize provenance and condition, with special recognition for milestones like the 140th anniversary of Mercedes-Benz. The desert setting and nonprofit structure supporting arts programs add a measured context for those evaluating investment-grade entries.

Weekly meets continue uninterrupted, such as South OC Cars and Coffee on Saturdays at the San Clemente Outlets, where turnouts frequently include modern exotics and restored classics. These informal assemblies allow for unhurried observations of current ownership trends without formal commitments.

For owners preparing vehicles after the holiday period, climate-controlled storage remains advantageous. Facilities like Auto Concierge maintain stable conditions that protect against minor environmental shifts, ensuring mechanical and cosmetic integrity ahead of these initial outings.

These opening events of 2026 provide practical starting points for the year’s activities, balancing tradition with contemporary craftsmanship in accessible locations.